On Saturday, Syrian forces, backed by tanks, shelled parts of Deraa and stormed its main mosque.

Residents said earlier they could hear heavy gunfire in the old city
where the Omari Mosque, a focal point for protests, is located.

At least 40 people were killed in Deraa on Friday, activists said, and another six on Saturday.

Roughly 70 people were reported killed nationwide over the weekend.
Syrian human rights groups say more than 500 people have been killed in
six weeks of violence.

In response to the violence, newly appointed Syrian Prime Minister Adel Safar said his government would
draw up a “complete plan” of political, judicial and economic reforms,
the state news agency SANA said on Saturday. SANA quoted Safar as saying
he would set up committees to propose new laws and amendments to
legislation in those areas.